The weight loss buzz

Weight loss has become a hot health topic over the past few decades, mainly because there are a growing number of people who need to lose weight. ¹ There are many different weight loss programs available today.  Some programs rely on supplements, while other programs focus on diet and exercise.  The information below will help you understand how to lose weight safely without sacrificing nutrition and health.

Never sacrifice nutrition

Regardless of how you decide to lose weight, it is important to remember that the body always needs nutrients.  So if there is a lack of calories, there should not be a lack of vitamins and minerals, otherwise health will decline. ^{2 3 4}  This is very important to understand.  If a reduced calorie diet is part of your strategy to lose weight, mineral supplementation is an excellent idea in order to prevent mineral deficiencies.

Eat a balanced diet

It is also very important to eat a balanced diet, even though you may be reducing calories.  A balanced diet includes a variety of foods containing some fats, carbohydrates and proteins. ⁴  A good baseline for putting together a balanced diet can be found here.  You need to eat a balanced diet to avoid deficiencies in key nutrients, including minerals. ⁴  Carbs are not the enemy.  Fat is not the enemy.  Balance and moderation are your friends.

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Sources:

1.  U.S. Obesity Trends 1985-2007.  Department of Health and Human Services, CDC.  http://www.cdc.gov/nccdphp/dnpa/obesity/trend/maps/index.htm
2. Malnutrition.  Medline Plus.  http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/000404.htm
3. Malnutrition and seniors: When a relative doesn’t eat enough.  MayoClinic.com.  http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/senior-health/HA00066
4. Quick-Weight-Loss or Fad Diets.  American Heart Association. http://www.americanheart.org/presenter.jhtml?identifier=4584